Dear Teen Girls at the Community Pool,
I assure you, this isn’t one of those typical letters from a well-meaning adult. You know the kind I mean—adults trying to offer unsolicited advice about your outfits, social media habits, or dating protocols. I’ve had enough of those letters myself, and I bet you have too.
You might not recall our brief encounter, but we crossed paths at the local pool last week. I climbed up to the high dive after promising my son, Jake, that if I made the leap, he would perform his best cannonball. I thought, “How hard can it be?” But when I reached the edge and peered down, I realized the height was intimidating!
The last time I took the plunge from a high dive was at 18—just a few years older than you—but oh, how much changes in two decades. The board felt taller, and the thought of belly flopping or worse was daunting.
As I hesitated, one of you said, “It usually takes me a few tries before I can jump.” You then walked to the end of the board, hesitated, and returned—only to repeat the process until you finally leapt. A few moments later, you were back in line, full of excitement alongside your friend.
While a few younger kids took their turns, I stood there, observing you all jump and have fun. They cheered for each other, and I thought about how you encouraged one another.
When it was my turn again, I walked halfway down the board but couldn’t bring myself to jump. For a good 20 minutes, I watched you and the children leap into the water. I tried to motivate myself—reminding myself of past challenges I had overcome and the importance of setting a brave example for my kids.
Each time I attempted to jump, you offered me encouragement. “It’s OK to be scared,” one of you reassured me. “It’s really fun once you do it.” Your friend added, “Just don’t look down; focus on the trees instead.”
Eventually, I mustered the courage to step on the board, but I kept looking down, unable to jump. The younger kids groaned in disappointment as I walked off the board. One of you looked me in the eye and said, “You’ll regret it if you leave without jumping.”
With that gentle nudge, I walked to the end once more, gazed at the trees, and finally took the leap. I heard your cheers as I hit the water, feeling a rush of exhilaration.
Later, I called out to thank you both, but you were caught up in your laughter, likely discussing something only teenage girls would find amusing. As my boys and I left the pool, I reflected on how the interaction had impacted me.
While I could write about overcoming challenges or how important it is to show our children we, too, feel fear, I realized there is something more significant here—two remarkable teenage girls taught me the value of courage and support.
In a world that often criticizes teenagers, particularly young girls, for their choices, it’s vital to recognize the lessons they impart. We strive to teach you about strength, respect, and self-love, but you, in turn, teach us about bravery, resilience, and the importance of taking risks.
So, continue to leap into the deep end. Keep growing and learning. Because in doing so, you help us grow, too.
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